FYI: Tesla’s Full Self-Driving system will soon feature reversing capabilities and automatic parking, boosting its robotaxi ambitions.
Tesla’s Full Self-Driving to Gain Reversing and Auto-Parking Capabilities in October
Tesla enthusiasts, buckle up! New updates are coming to Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system this October, including the long-awaited ability to reverse and automatically park. These functions are pivotal as Tesla gears up to reveal its dedicated robotaxi in the same month.
The Evolution of FSD: From Hype to Essential Features
Elon Musk has long touted the capabilities of Tesla’s FSD software, positioning it as the future of autonomous driving. However, despite its name, FSD has significant limitations and requires constant driver supervision, making it far from a true autonomous system. One glaring omission in the current FSD capabilities is the inability to reverse—a fundamental driving function. This gap is set to be bridged with the new update scheduled for October.
The Importance of Reversing in Autonomous Driving
Reversing might seem trivial, but it’s a crucial aspect of everyday driving. Whether backing out of a parking spot or allowing other vehicles to maneuver, reversing is indispensable. Competitors like Waymo have already integrated this feature into their autonomous vehicles, making Tesla’s forthcoming update both necessary and overdue.
Upcoming Features and Deployments
Tesla’s roadmap reveals several other exciting updates:
- Cybertruck FSD Enablement: The long-awaited Cybertruck will finally gain FSD capabilities this month, nearly a year after its initial release.
- Auto-Parking: In October, FSD will support auto-parking and un-parking, further simplifying the driving experience.
- Global Expansion: Tesla plans to roll out FSD in China and Europe early next year, pending regulatory approvals.
However, it’s worth noting that Tesla has a history of missing deadlines, so these projections should be taken with a grain of caution.
The Timing Behind These Updates
The timing of these updates is far from coincidental. Tesla is set to reveal its purpose-built robotaxi on October 10, putting its autonomous driving capabilities under extensive scrutiny. The company aims to demonstrate substantive progress amidst skepticism and criticisms of overpromising and under-delivering.
Will Tesla Hit the Mark?
While it’s uncertain whether Tesla will meet its ambitious deadlines, the stakes have never been higher. Elon Musk famously claimed that a Tesla would be able to drive from New York to Los Angeles without human intervention by 2018—a promise yet to be fulfilled. The upcoming robotaxi reveal could be a defining moment, either bolstering Tesla’s credibility or inviting further skepticism.
Conclusion
Tesla’s FSD updates, slated for October, promise to add reversing and auto-parking capabilities—crucial steps toward achieving fully autonomous driving. As Tesla preps for its robotaxi debut, the world is watching closely to see if the company can deliver on its lofty promises. Stay tuned for more updates on Tesla’s autonomous driving journey.
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William Kouch, Editor at Automotive.fyi
